Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate phone conversations with the US President Donald Trump and the king of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The leaders discussed the OPEC+ deal and exchanged views on the oil market.
Putin, Trump and Salman support the OPEC+ decision to gradually cut oil production, according to a Kremlin press service statement.
"The leaders have supported the agreement reached by the OPEC+ on the phased voluntary reduction of oil production in order to stabilize global markets and ensure the sustainability of the global economy as a whole. This deal is coming into force," the statement read.
The parties also agreed that they would continue to be in contact with each other on the matter.
During the Putin-Trump phone conversation, the leaders discussed strategic security and exchanged views on the oil market. In addition, Putin wished Trump and US citizens, celebrating Easter, happy holidays.
"The exchange of views on the situation in the oil markets was continued. Once again, the importance of the OPEC+ deal to reduce oil production was noted. Pressing issues of ensuring strategic security were also discussed," the Kremlin press service statement read.
Following the talks, Trump thanked and congratulated both the Russian and Saudi leaders, tweeting that the deal "will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States".
The big Oil Deal with OPEC Plus is done. This will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States. I would like to thank and congratulate President Putin of Russia and King Salman of Saudi Arabia. I just spoke to them from the Oval Office. Great deal for all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2020
This comes after OPEC and non-cartel oil producers reached a new deal stipulating a collective reduction in oil output by an approximate 10 million barrels per day effective 1 May. The online meeting began earlier in the day.
